City council approves emergency measures

Feb. 19, 2013

Written by

David Breland

American Staff Writer

Hattiesburg City Council approved measures further related to the aftermath of the Feb. 10 tornado during its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday evening..

The council approved the state of emergency declaration, signed on Feb. 10, and approved agreements with Pine Belt Solid Waste Authority and Waste Management to dispose of storm debris in landfills.

The council also voted to suspend permitting fees for building projects in the city for those affected by the storm. Residents still must apply for the permits, but they will not be charged.

Mayor Johnny DuPree told the council that FEMA approved categories C-G public assistance. Categories C-G allows FEMA to assist the city with repair and restoration of water systems and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and contents, public utilities, along with park and recreational facilities. FEMA will provide 75 percent of project costs for repairs to damaged facilities in the C-G public assistance categories, less any insurance payments, DuPree said.

Also, the council approved a professional services agreement with Schaus LLC to assist with FEMA documentation for work projects and reimbursement documentation.

According to the terms of the professional services agreement, Schaus will provide emergency management consulting on behalf of the city, MEMA/FEMA negotiation and documentation, and FEMA project worksheets, which are required for any public assistance project.

According to the agreement, Schaus will provide a FEMA consultant at $57 per hour billed to the city, project manager/planner at $55 per hour, data collection clerk at $40 per hour, clerical services at $32.50 per hour, along with a building safety inspection team at $185 per hour, and a building or insurance inspector at $85 per hour.